Croquet players travel to compete

SINCE Wonthaggi Croquet Club’s last update in mid-September, its members have travelled to many tournaments throughout the state and indeed, across the border.

Travels began on the weekend of September 21 and 22 when seven players took part in the Lakes Entrance Handicap Doubles tournament.

Section 1 saw Marj Prendergast/Neil Warburton win two games, Tom Lacey/Sue Baker three games and Virginia Wheeler/Mary Cornwall (Warragul) one game.

Section 2 featured John Priller/Ray Biffin (Drouin) winning one game and Sue Priller/Helen Biffin (Drouin) winning two games.

On September 27, Mike and Jo Butterfield competed in the Kyneton High/Low Doubles where Mike teamed up with Bob Moir from Rosebud to win one game and Jo teamed up with Bill Gardner from Koroit also winning one game.

Virginia Wheeler travelled to Ballarat where she competed in the singles winning two games then teamed up with Heather Bradbury from Bairnsdale in the doubles to win one game on the weekend of October 5 and 6.

The Drouin Level Play Doubles tournament was held on October 19 and 20, where Marj and Neil won four games in Section 1, and Jo and Mike won one game in that section.

Kathy Ross teamed up with Terry Nash from Korumburra in Section 2, winning five games and thus taking the honours in that section.

Howlong was the next venue where Tom and Sue Baker won three games in Block A and Virginia and John Collins (Wodonga) won two games, but unfortunately, neither pair featured in the finals.

They moved across to Albury for the Australia Handicap Doubles and Singles from October 21 to 25. 

In the doubles, Tom and Sue Baker won five games in the Green Block but missed out on the finals on hoops difference.

Virginia teaming with Les Langmead from Albury won two games in the Pink Block.

Both Tom and Virginia then competed in the singles where Virginia won five from 11 games and Tom eight from 11, finishing runner-up in that section. 

Tom was unfortunately narrowly beaten 7/6 in the quarter-finals.

On the weekend of October 25, Neil travelled to Rich River where he competed in their singles tournament, winning three games in Division 2. 

Teaming up with Annette Adkins in the Hi/Lo doubles, they managed to win two games.

Marj, Jo and Mike competed in a three-day tournament at Horsham starting October 30, playing both doubles and singles. 

Mike finished runner-up in his singles section.

A large contingent from Wonthaggi competed at Morwell on the first weekend in November with five members competing in Section 1 and 2 members in Section 2.

In Section 1, Neil teamed up with Michael North from Traralgon, winning three games. 

Virginia paired with Mary Cornwall from Warragul, winning two games. 

John Priller paired with Ray Biffin from Drouin, also winning two games.

The honours went to Tom and Sue Baker who came out on top in the section, winning five games.

In Section 2, Kathy teamed up with Terry Nash from Korumburra, winning three games and Sue Priller with Helen Biffin from Drouin winning two games.

The Wonthaggi flag was well and truly flown proudly throughout the state over these last six weeks.

Well played one and all.

During this time, club days – Monday, Wednesday and Saturday – continued as usual with the occasional working bee to keep the club in shipshape condition.

Cup Eve was a great get-together with fashions on the field and a lot of fun croquet played. 

Tom acted as barbecue chef for the evening and a great time was had by all. 

Thanks to all those who organised/contributed including the Cup Sweep master Brian Davidson.